On Wednesday, Notre Dame announced the sophomore tight end from Encino, Calif., would not play for the Irish this fall. The 6-foot-7, 245-pound athlete did not return to campus for summer school this week with his teammates, nor will he join them in the huddle in the coming months.

"Joseph won't be with us this fall, but I hope to have him return for the spring semester," Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis said in a statement.

Notre Dame cited "personal reasons" for Fauria's absence, although sources tell Irish Illustrated that a disciplinary matter within the university led to the tight end's suspension.

While Fauria didn't factor into Notre Dame's game plans much last season, he appeared primed for a big role backing up Kyle Rudolph. Despite playing sparingly as a freshman, seeing action in just three games, the former four-star prospect passed Mike Ragone during spring practice. Fauria worked with the starters more than the junior, who suffered a knee injury last summer that knocked him out for the season.